Buying a property is a huge personal investment, so it’s important when looking around that you’re keeping an eye out for anything that may cause you problems in the future.
According to experts at onlinemortageadvisor.co.uk, these are five of the top red flags to look out for when considering buying a property.
Check for structural issues
Although sometimes it’s hard to spot when a property might not be structurally sound, there are a couple of signs which can give it away.
Look out for any cracks in the plaster or brickwork because – although some can just be superficial – they could be a sign of something more serious. For example, cracks above any doors and windows could indicate a failed lintel or other structural issue which could be costly to fix later down the line.
Other telling signs of structural issues include bulging or leaning walls, roof leaks, and uneven floors.
A ‘funny’ smell
Sometimes it can just be put down to the previous owners, but an odd smell that lingers around the house could be indicative of a bigger problem.
Keep an eye out for any mould; if it’s got the all-clear on that front, it could be an issue with the plumbing or drains. If you notice lots of candles or air fresheners in every room, it’s a good chance it’s to cover something nasty, so be wary.
The surrounding area hasn’t had great press
It might be worth doing a bit of research into any new areas you’re looking to buy in. For example, if there are a lot of reported crimes, or negative press about the area, it’s probably best to stay well clear.
It might also be worth looking into some of the safer places to live in, and looking at properties in these areas instead.
Some photos are missing from the listing
This won’t have been done by mistake; any photos of the property that are missing have been avoided for a reason - it might be worth asking the listing agent why these photos aren’t there.
Regardless, if you do go ahead and decide to arrange a viewing, you’ll probably soon realise why these photos were missing. It’s a technique used to avoid any problem areas and in turn, guarantee a few more viewings than they perhaps would if those photos were present.
The price has recently dropped
Although you may think you’ve bagged yourself a bargain, there’s usually a good reason for a dramatic price drop on a property.
The seller could just be looking for a quick sale due to personal circumstances, however it could be because the property isn’t selling and there will likely be a reason why.
Make sure you ask your estate agent why the property has decreased in price and, when looking around, keep an eye out on all of those things we mentioned earlier.
For more stories from where you live, visit InYourArea.
